Western Australia's 27th family centre was opened in Thornlie by Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson today.
The Forest Lakes family centre was built by the State Government at a cost of $300,000 on land made available by the City of Gosnells.
It is part of a $14 million scheme to build family centres to provide a social development program for four-year-old children, as well as a range of other activities for children, youth, adults and seniors.
The Forest Lakes family centre includes a child health centre funded jointly by the Health Department of WA and the City of Gosnells.
"The family centre program is an exciting initiative to meet the needs of families and communities and I am very pleased to have been involved in the planning of Forest Lakes," Mrs Henderson said.
"It is an asset to the community and a credit to all who have been involved from a number of Government departments, local government and the local community.
"Already operating, it provides a quality developmental range of activities for up to 100 children and a venue for a number of services such as the Forest Lakes Playgroup, Crestwood Calisthenics, the First Forest Lakes Scout Association, the Apex Club and Forest Lakes Weightwatchers.
"By providing a venue for activities such as these, the centre helps bring people together and this is an important factor in developing a sense of belonging and community spirit."
Mrs Henderson said the State Government fully recognised the importance of building up local communities and encouraging co-operation between families and Government.
Centres such as Forest Lakes could play an important and even critical role in assisting families at the local level.
Mrs Henderson paid tribute to the committee members and management committee for establishing such a viable and dynamic community facility, which was operating so successfully and efficiently.
